Efficacy of rapid recovery protocol for total knee arthroplasty: a retrospective study

Objective: Our aim was to compare the clinical results and cost-effectiveness of a rapid recovery protocol for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with a current standard protocol. Methods: The study included patients undergoing primary elective TKA with at least 6 months of follow-up. The rapid recovery protocol was applied to 96 patients (Group 1) and the standard protocol to 108 (Group 2). All patients underwent standard TKA. All pre-, peri-, and postoperative procedures in the treatment and follow-up of patients were appropriately standardized to the philosophies of the different treatment plans. The postoperative length of hospital stay, total financial cost, postoperative surgical infection, 6-month American Knee Society scores, and knee range of motion (ROM) were compared between the groups. Results: A total of 169 patients were included. Group 1 patients had significantly shorter postoperative length of hospital stay (p=0.021), significantly lower mean total financial cost (p=0.041), significantly lower infection rates (p=0.034), and significantly higher 6-month knee function scores (p=0.032). In comparison with Group 2, Group 1 knee flexion (p=0.04) and extension (p=0.48) ROM at 6 months postoperatively were both significantly improved. Conclusion: Application of the rapid recovery protocol to patients who underwent TKA reduced costs and infection rates and improved functional results.